Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 500

Dennis Williams had planned to just haul Camila Davis out of the water—simple as that.

But Camila had tumbled in so suddenly, she'd swallowed a huge mouthful of water before she could even shout.

The spot near the boat was usually teeming with fish, but they scattered in a panic the second she hit the lake. The water churned with them darting away, and in that chaos, Camila lost all control, sinking quickly to the bottom.

To make matters worse, she felt something wrapping around her arms and legs—probably thick reeds or weeds tangling her up.

And of course, she’d gone overboard right in the middle of the lake, much deeper than near the shore. No matter how hard she tried, her feet couldn’t even come close to touching the bottom.

Panic made her gulp down a couple more mouthfuls of water. But then, just as she started to freak out, her mind cleared.

She forced herself to hold her breath, trying to stay calm and keep still.

That’s when—splash!

Dennis jumped in after her.

He moved through the water like an Olympic swimmer, reaching her in seconds. He untangled her from the reeds, wrapped an arm firmly around her waist, and pushed her up toward the surface.

Only then could Camila finally gasp for air.

She started coughing hard, water burning her throat and nose. Instinctively, she clung to Dennis’s shoulders, desperate for something solid.

Dennis didn’t say a word—he just started swimming them both back toward the shore.

On land, Aaron and the security guys realized something was wrong. They rushed over and pulled the two of them out of the lake, all working together.

The house staff, having heard the commotion, hurried over with warm blankets and big fluffy towels.

Dennis grabbed one and immediately wrapped it around Camila, his voice tight with worry. “Camila, are you okay?”

He looked more rattled than she’d ever seen him, his usually perfect composure nowhere to be found.

Lillian, who’d just been carried off the boat by one of the security guards, came running over, her little voice trembling, “Mommy! Are you okay? Does it hurt?”

Aaron didn’t just stand around—he was already calling for the family doctor.

Camila took a few shaky breaths and waved Aaron off. “No need for a doctor, honest! I’m fine...”

She was soaked from head to toe, looking like a half-drowned cat.

Dennis frowned, unconvinced. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

A part of him kept repeating, Thank God she’s alright.

Camila didn’t linger. She hurried back to Mr. Morris’s house, looking every bit the drowned rat.

When she walked in, Mr. Morris and Patrick both jumped up, alarmed.

“Camila, what on earth happened? Did you fall in the lake?”

She forced a smile. “Yeah, I did. Took Lillian out for a little row, and I slipped. But we’re both okay.”

She quickly explained what happened.

Mr. Morris shook his head, grumbling, “You two and your adventures—why would you go out on that lake? It’s dangerous!”

Patrick, less interested in scolding, instead said, “Ms. Davis, let’s get you into a hot shower before you catch a cold.”

Mr. Morris perked up at that, bustling about. “Good idea! Patrick, get the kitchen to make her some hot chicken soup to warm her up.”

“Right away!”

Patrick dashed off to the kitchen, leaving Camila to finally get warm and dry, grateful for the fuss—and the second chance.